200€ Fine for Wearing Earbuds!

Are You Allowed to Use Earbuds While Driving in Spain?

At SGM Abogados, we believe it’s essential for our clients to be well-informed about local laws to ensure safe and hassle-free experiences while living or visiting Spain. One frequently asked question we receive is regarding the legality of wearing earbuds or headphones while driving vehicles, bicycles, or electric scooters.

Understanding the Law

In Spain, using earbuds, headphones, or any device that might limit your auditory senses while operating vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and electric scooters, is strictly prohibited. According to the Spanish Traffic Law (Ley sobre Tráfico, Circulación de Vehículos a Motor y Seguridad Vial), drivers must maintain full auditory awareness at all times.

The objective of this law is clear: reducing accidents by ensuring drivers can hear warning signals, horns, and emergency sirens.

Penalties and Fines

If you’re caught wearing earbuds or headphones while driving, riding a bicycle, or using an electric scooter, you can be fined up to €200. While no points can be deducted from non-license requiring vehicles, car and motorcycle users can have 3 points deducted from your license for this particular infringement, repeated offenses or accompanying traffic violations could lead to more severe consequences.

What About Hands-Free Systems?

Hands-free phone systems integrated into your vehicle are permitted, provided they do not involve earbuds or headphones. Such systems must enable you to hear clearly without obstructing ambient traffic sounds. Bluetooth speakers, car speakers, or helmet-integrated communication devices (for motorcyclists) are acceptable.

Stay Safe, Stay Legal

We recommend avoiding earbuds or headphones entirely when driving or riding in Spain. If you need to communicate or listen to navigation systems, always use approved hands-free methods that comply with local laws.

For further advice on traffic laws, property acquisition, or other legal queries, our dedicated team at SGM Abogados is always here to assist you.

Stay informed and drive safely!

SGM Abogados – Your Trusted Legal Advisors in Spain.